Miguel Angelo Robia

The son of Sebastian and Maria Robia, Miguel was born 17 May 1942, and grew up in the Filipino camp in Paia, Maui, Hawaii. He worked a range of jobs around the village from minding the pool hall on weekends to working in the pineapple canning factory.

At the age of 17, Miguel began his military career by enlisting in the Hawaii National Guard in 1959, and on 7 February 1961, he enlisted in the Regular Army. Miguel qualified as an electrician and became a radar repairman, which took him to El Paso, Texas, where he met Josephine Chacon. They were married in March 1962. During his career, Miguel was sent to South Korea, Bossier City, Louisiana, Bad Hersfeld, West Germany, Key West, Florida, and Illesheim, West Germany. In 1976, Miguel returned to El Paso and 10 years later, after being stationed briefly in Alexandria, Virginia, he retired in 1986 after 25 years of service. During his career, Miguel rose to the the rank of E9 Sergeant Major, and received the National Defense Service Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), The Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3).

Miguel is survived by his wife of 60 years, Josephine; his oldest son, Michael Robia of Burleson, Texas; his daughter, JoAnne Camarillo of Fort Worth, Texas, and his youngest son, Andrew Robia of Cypress, Texas. Miguel is survived by three sisters, Sally Soliven of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii; Patricia Ricard of Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii; Jenna Ronquillo of Las Vegas, Nevada; and one brother, Stanley Bascar of Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. Miguel has nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A Rosary will be held for Miguel December 7, 2022, at 11 AM at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter, El Paso, TX 79936,and a Mass will be held the same day at 1 PM at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 11700 Pebble Hills, El Paso, TX 79936. Visitation begins at 9 AM before the Rosary.